Friday, July 25, 2008

(Allow me to apologize before you read any further - I am having a snarky librarian moment.)

I know I'm supposed to be happy when people are reading, to celebrate when things made out of wood pulp circulate, and to cheer when a patron browses the stacks. I'm not supposed to judge a patron's choice of reading materials. All knowledge is worth having, all subjects are equal, freedom of information, blah blah blah. I get it. And 99.9999% of the time I will help you find whatever it is you are looking for, with a smile and without comment, no matter my own personal opinion. It's my job.

But if you call the library on a cell phone with the sound quality of a fast food drive-thru speaker, rudely treat me as if I'm stupid and then ask for Rogue, the newest Danielle Steel novel, pronouncing the title as "roooge", forgive me if you hear a soft snicker. I am only human.

Let us know when you receive a call from someone who asks, "Do you have [Insert New Book Title Here] on the shelf? You do? I've heard that it's pretty good. Would you read the first few pages to me to see if it's worth come coming down and checking it out?"

And they didn't ask for that new romance novel. . you know the one with the evil looking Heathcliff type character pushing up against the bosum of the innocent young thing on the edge of a cliff on the Moor. . what was it called "A Little Closer to the Edge My Love"

Next time you get out Broad Ripple way, I've got to show you my latest discovery. The little newsstand near my house has a shelf about four feet high by six feet long with a sign over it saying "Experienced Books". And it's almost all classics. $1 American apiece. I've picked up Lord of the Flies and Kim and Childhood's End and Heart of Darkness and oh, so much more great stuff off that little shelf...

Reading is a Good Thing. Indeed, a Very Good Thing!! In addition to gaining more knowledge, entertainment and keeping us in cute librarians. The need for said librarians keeps Breda in $$$ so she can keep shooting, keep blogging and keep us entertained and enlightened!